So I was thinking about attending ATP in Riverside California after I graduate high school in May so when I complete the program I can move my 34 credits over to Embry-Riddle Worldwide. Does anyone recommend this route ? I would also have a little side job in case of an emergency, and kinda been looking at this as the best option for me. Any advice would be great thank you and have a great day.
Brendan,
That route sounds mighty expensive and long to get to your goals.
We recommend you go to college before starting flight training and majoring in something other than aviation. We say that so you have a backup in case you get furloughed anytime in your career.
If your heart is set on attending Embry Riddle, just go there and let them give you your flight training to get your money worth of tuition. ATP will cost you roughly $85,000 and delay your start at Embry Riddle a year. The program is 9 months starting in may, which means you’d miss both fall and spring semesters. Then you’d arrive there with all your ratings already completed but still paying the hefty price tag for admission. Granted you would get the credits, this path will be much longer and more costly.
If it were me, I’d find a college you like and major in something other than aviation. Than after graduating with your 4 year degree, start ATP.
-Hannah
Thank you Ive talked to the embry riddle worldwide and it would be around 50k for embry riddle however If I went to atp it would be around $34,962 any additional advice ? 
Brendan,
Really no point in that at all for quite a few reasons. While Riddle is a fine institution, it’s ridiculously expensive and there’s aviation degrees offer very little opportunities nor do the airlines require or even desire one. You could argue going to Riddle would allow you to get your R-ATP with reduced minimums but if you didn’t do your flight training there that wouldn’t apply. Lastly we don’t recommend going to ATP right after HS. Most people don’t have the maturity and discipline to be successful in the program at this point in their lives. Further you’d earn all your licenses and ratings, only to basically sit on them for 4yrs while earning your degree. Pilot skills are perishable and sitting on them is counterproductive.
Clearly it seems money isn’t a factor. If you visit our FAQ we generally recommend people finish their educations and do so in a field of study other than aviation as a backup. Then start ATP and keep flying all the way to you get to the airlines.
Adam
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Would I be able to work for a small airline after finishing atp to still earn flight hours etc or is 23 the age required even to fly for an airline ?
Brendan,
You can get your R-ATP at 21 provided you build the required time. Again please visit our FAQ section for common questions.
Adam
Brendan,
Not sure where you got $35,000 for atp because you either start zero time for about $84,000 or credit private for $66,000.
After completing atp you will have an MEI and about 270 hours. You would still have 700-1200 hours (depending on which ATP you qualify for) to build before being eligible for regional airlines. Most build those hours as a flight instructor, then you’d be on your way. That’s why we recommend knocking out your 4 year degree first.
-Hannah
Oh I was talking about tuition for Embry Riddle worldwide if I completed the pilot program at atp.
Embry Riddle would count the pilots license, cfi and the commercial pilots license as credits towards the degree. This would be 34 credits off the total 120 credits for the bachelors diploma in aeronautical science. Leaving it at 86 credits left with a price of $35,000 insead of $50,000 for the diploma part. Sorry for the confusion 
Brendan,
I am going to add my voice to the chorus here and say that I too really think you should go to college first, then flight school. Being a pilot takes a lot of maturity, some younger students just do not do as well as older students because of this. College teacher you how to study and how to be dedicated to something. You will likely do better as a pilot with a few more years of life experience on you.
Chris
Thank you for the help I really appreciate it
Brendan,
Any time. Let us know how else we can help you.
Chris